Caster mounting interface for industrial cart

ABSTRACT

An industrial cart has a caster interface which allows for the quick changing of wheel casters on the cart without the use of tools. The caster interface forms a three-sided pocket into which a wheeled caster seats. A plate of the caster seats within the pocket through an open end of the pocket. A locking mechanism is used to quickly and easily secure the caster into the pocket.

This application claims the priority of U.S. provisional applicationSer. No. 61/858,474, filed on Jul. 25, 2013, which disclosure is hereinincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of material handling, andspecifically relates to an industrial cart used for transportingmaterials and tools throughout construction sites and work areas.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prior art industrial carts have been constructed to perform a singletask, such as carrying a wire spool, holding pipe, tubing or conduit, ortransportation of boxes of parts and tools. Often times, these cartshave a limited useful time frame on a construction site. These carts arethen relegated to a storage area to sit empty until the project reachesa phase where the cart becomes useful. This creates the need forcontractors to maintain a large storage area for unused carts. Thesecarts, while still functional, may become obsolete based on preferenceor market shifts on material usage. Furthermore, these carts do notdisassemble easily for easy storage or maintenance.

An industrial cart is provided herein which provides improvements toexisting structures and which overcomes the disadvantages presented bythe prior art. Other features and advantages will become apparent upon areading of the attached specification, in combination with a study ofthe drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An industrial cart is provided for transporting materials and toolsthroughout construction sites and work areas. The industrial cart has acaster interface which allows for the quick changing of wheel casters onthe cart without the use of tools. The caster interface forms athree-sided pocket into which a wheeled caster seats. A plate of thecaster seats within the pocket through an open end of the pocket. Alocking mechanism is used to quickly and easily secure the caster intothe pocket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The organization and manner of the structure and operation of theinvention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, maybest be understood by reference to the following description, taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like referencenumerals identify like elements in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an industrial cart having a firstaccessory mounted thereto;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the industrial cart having a secondaccessory mounted thereto;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the industrial cart having a thirdaccessory mounted thereto;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the industrial cart having a fourthaccessory mounted thereto;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the industrial cart having a fifthaccessory mounted thereto;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the industrial cart having a sixthaccessory mounted thereto;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the industrial cart and accessory ofFIG. 6, with the accessory partially disassembled from the cart;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the industrial cart and accessory ofFIG. 6, showing the movement of a portion of the accessory relative tothe cart;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views of the industrial showing theaccessory of FIG. 5 being mounted thereto;

FIG. 10A is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of FIG. 10;

FIG. 11 is an end elevation view of the industrial cart with theaccessory of FIG. 5 mounted thereto by a first embodiment of a lockingmechanism;

FIG. 11A is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of FIG. 11;

FIG. 11B is an enlarged perspective view of another portion of FIG. 11;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternate locking mechanism whichcan be provided on the industrial cart;

FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of a first embodiment of a castermounting interface provided on the industrial cart for mounting a wheelcaster to the industrial cart;

FIG. 13A is a top perspective view of the first embodiment of the castermounting interface of FIG. 13;

FIG. 13B is a bottom perspective view of the first embodiment of thecaster mounting interface of FIG. 13 showing the wheel caster beingmounted thereto;

FIG. 13C is a bottom perspective view of the first embodiment of thecaster mounting interface of FIG. 13 showing the wheel caster mountedthereto;

FIG. 13D is a top perspective view of the first embodiment of the castermounting interface of FIG. 13 showing the wheel caster mounted thereto;

FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of a second embodiment of a castermounting interface provided on the industrial cart for mounting a wheelcaster to the industrial cart;

FIG. 14A is a top perspective view of the second embodiment of thecaster mounting interface of FIG. 14;

FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of a third embodiment of a castermounting interface provided on the industrial cart for mounting a wheelcaster to the industrial cart;

FIG. 15A is a top perspective view of the third embodiment of the castermounting interface of FIG. 15;

FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a castermounting interface provided on the industrial cart for mounting a wheelcaster to the industrial cart;

FIG. 16A is a top perspective view of the fourth embodiment of thecaster mounting interface of FIG. 16;

FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a castermounting interface provided on the industrial cart for mounting a wheelcaster to the industrial cart;

FIG. 17A is a top perspective view of the fifth embodiment of the castermounting interface of FIG. 17;

FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a castermounting interface provided on the industrial cart for mounting a wheelcaster to the industrial cart;

FIG. 18A is a top perspective view of the sixth embodiment of the castermounting interface of FIG. 18;

FIG. 19 is a bottom perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a castermounting interface provided on the industrial cart for mounting a wheelcaster to the industrial cart;

FIG. 19A is a top perspective view of the seventh embodiment of thecaster mounting interface of FIG. 19; and

FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view of an eight embodiment of a castermounting interface provided on the industrial cart for mounting a wheelcaster to the industrial cart.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

While the invention may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms,there is shown in the drawings, and herein will be described in detail,a specific embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosureis to be considered an exemplification of the principles of theinvention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that asillustrated and described herein. Therefore, unless otherwise noted,features disclosed herein may be combined together to form additionalcombinations that were not otherwise shown for purposes of brevity.

An industrial cart 20 is provided which can be used in for electrical,plumbing, HVAC, industrial/MRO, construction, masonry, mining, military,and further reach, for general use of moving a vast range of materials.The cart 20 can be arranged to accept various accessories 222 a-222 f sothat the cart 20 can be adjusted to the needed task. For example, thecart 20 can be arranged to hold a variety of materials, for example, butnot limited to, wire spools, pipes, tubing or conduit, boxes of partsand tools. The accessories 222 a-222 f can be connected to the cart 29without the use of tools and hardware. The cart 20 also includesquick-change casters 24 which facilitate the movement of the cart andwhich can be connected to the cart 20 without the use of tools andhardware.

The cart 20 has a flat steel frame 26 upon which the accessories 222a-222 f and the casters 24 are mounted. The steel frame 26 includesfirst and second lateral support members 28 a, 28 b connected to orintegrally formed with first and second longitudinal support members 30a, 30 b. The frame 26 functions to provide structural rigidity andsupport for the cart 20. While the frame 26 is illustrated as beingrectangular in shape, it is contemplated within the scope of the presentinvention that the frame 26 could be formed in numerous differentshapes. Additionally, while the frame 26 in the preferred embodimentillustrated herein utilizes first and second lateral support members 28a, 28 b and first and second longitudinal support members 30 a, 30 b, itis contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the frame26 could utilize different quantities of lateral support members and/orlongitudinal support members in order to create a frame 26 having adifferent shape.

Each lateral support member 28 a, 28 b has first and second ends; eachlongitudinal support members 30 a, 30 b has first and second ends. Eachlateral support member 28 a, 28 b and each longitudinal support members30 a, 30 b may be formed as an elongated conduit with a rectangularcross-section, The ends of the longitudinal support members 30 a, 30 bconnect with the lateral support members 28 a, 28 b at a position spacedfrom the ends of the lateral support members 28 a, 28 b. This forms anextending portion 32 a, 32 b at each end of each lateral support member28 a, 28 b.

As shown, spaced-apart intermediate lateral support members 34 areprovided between the lateral support members 28 a, 28 b and connect attheir ends to the longitudinal support members 30 a, 30 b. Theintermediate lateral support members 34 provide a support structure forobjects. The intermediate lateral support members 34 preferably have anupper surface that is spaced from the upper surfaces of the lateralsupport members 28 a, 28 b and longitudinal support members 30 a, 30 b,such that a recess 35 is provided into which a floor 37, see FIGS. 2 and4 for example, can be seated. While spaced-apart intermediate lateralsupport members 34 are shown, a solid floor member could instead beprovided.

A retaining block 40 extends from each longitudinal support members 30a, 30 b at the ends thereof. The retaining block 40 is positionedproximate to, but spaced from, the respective extending portion 32 a, 32b, such that a space 38 is formed between each retaining block 40 andthe respective lateral support member 28 a, 28 b. The retaining block 40is formed from a conduit having open ends which defines a passageway 44,and may have a rectangular cross-section. The outer surface of eachretaining block 40 is preferably flush with the end of the respectiveextending portion 32 a, 32 b.

Each retaining block 40 may hold a securing mechanism 42, as best shownin FIG. 11A. The securing mechanism 42 may include a fastener 46, suchas a bolt, mounted through a member 48, such as a nut or a wail having athreaded aperture therethrough, which is attached to the retaining block40 within the passageway 44. The fastener 46 can be turned relative tothe member 48 and the retaining block 40 to move the free end of thefastener 46 toward or away from the space 38.

Example of accessories 222 a-222 f are shown in FIGS. 1-6. Eachaccessory 222 a-222 f includes at least first and second upright legs248, 250 which are attached to each other by at least one cross leg 252.Each upright leg 248, 250 has a lower end and an upper end and may beformed of an elongated conduit with a rectangular cross-section. Asshown in FIGS. 1A-1F, the upright legs 248, 250 may be of varyingheights, dependent upon the accessory and its use. In each accessory 222a-222 f, one upright leg 248 has a foot 260 provided at its lower endwhich extends perpendicularly from the upright leg 248, and the otherupright leg 250 has a locking mechanism 62 attached thereto as describedhereinbelow.

Attention is first invited to FIG. 1 which shows accessory 222 a. Inaccessory 222 a, the cross leg 252 is provided at the lower ends of theupright legs 248, 250. A triangular support 254 is provided at themidpoint of the cross leg 252 and supports an intermediate upright post256. The post 256 has a plurality of arms 258 extending outwardlytherefrom for hanging objects thereon.

FIG. 2 shows accessory 222 b. Each upright leg 248, 250 has a lowerportion 261 which extends perpendicular to the frame 26 and an upperportion 262 which is angled relative to the lower portion 261. The crossleg 252 extends between the upright legs 248, 250 at the upper end ofthe lower portions 261. This accessory 222 b acts as a pushing/pullinghandle when attached to the cart 20.

Accessory 222 c is shown in FIG. 3. Two pairs of upright legs 248, 250are provided and a cross leg 252 is provided at the top end of each pairof upright legs 248, 250. A mesh side 262 is provided between each setof upright legs 248, 250 and cross leg 252. A mesh side 264 with a topcross rail 266 is provided between the pair of upright legs 248; a meshside 268 with a top cross rail 270 is provided between the pair ofupright legs 250. This forms a basket structure.

FIG. 4 shows accessory 222 d. Two pairs of upright legs 248, 250 areprovided and three cross legs 252, 252 a, 252 b are provided betweeneach pair of upright legs 248, 250. The cross legs 252, 252 a, 252 b arespaced apart from each other along the upright legs 248, 250. A plate272 with side cross rails 274, 275 is provided between the pairs ofupright legs 248, 250 and forms a shelf with the respective cross legs252, 252 a, 252 b. Each upright leg 248, 250 can have an arm 276extending from the bottom end thereof which engages against the frame 26to provide additional support and rigidity to the accessory 222 d.

Attention is now invited to FIG. 5 which shows accessory 222 e. Thecross legs 252 are provided spaced from the lower ends of the uprightslegs 248, 250. Support members 278 can be provided between the uppercross member 252 and the uprights legs 248, 250 to provide addedrigidity to the accessory 222 e.

Accessory 222 f is shown in FIGS. 6-8. An accessory 222 f is provided ateach end of the cart 20. In each accessory 222 f, like that of theaccessory 222 a, the cross leg 252 is provided at the lower ends of theupright legs 248, 250, and a triangular support 254 is provided at themidpoint of the cross leg 252 and supports an intermediate upright post256. In each accessory 222, the post 256 has a first mount 280 attachedthereto, and a second mount 284 attached thereto, the mounts 280, 284being spaced apart from each other on the post 256. The mounts 280aligns with each other on the two posts 256; and the mounts 284 alignswith each other on the two posts 256. An associated rail 76 can have itsends seated in the mounts 280, such that the rail 76 spans the distancebetween the accessories 222 f. An associated rail 76 a can have its endsseated in the mounts 284, such that the rail 76 a spans the distancebetween the accessories 222 f. The rails 76, 76 a are suitably attachedto the mounts 280, 284, such as by fasteners extending through the rails76, 76 a and the mounts 280, 284, or the mounts 280, 284 can be formedas pockets into which the ends of the rails 76, 76 a seat (the rails 76,76 a can have an enlarged foot at its end for this purpose).

A plurality of wire cart arms 78 can be mounted on each rail 76, 76 a.Each wire cart arm 78 has a at least one tubular member 80 whichextending from a mount which may be formed as a pair of flanges 82. Whenseated on the rail 76, 76 a, the tubular member 80 engages the top ofthe rail 76, 76 a and the flanges 82 seat on either side of the rail 76,76 a and extend downwardly therefrom. A fastener 83 may be seatedthrough aligned apertures in the flanges 82 to secure the wire cart arm78 to the rail 76, 76 a. This type of wire cart arm 78 is suitable forholding a variety of objects, such as wire spools. The wire cart arm 78can be slid along the length of the rail 76, 76 a as desired to providefor flexible mounting of objects to the cart 20. For example, the wirecart arm 78 fully adjust along the rails 76 to accommodate various wirespools. Current carts have fixed arms and therefore a fixed limit toaccommodating various spool sizes. While there are two wire cart arms 78shown in rail 76 and three wire cart arms 78 shown on rail 76 a in FIGS.6-8, more or less wire cart arms 78 can be provided on each rail 76, 76a. In addition, while two rails 76, 76 a and their associated mounts280, 284 are shown in FIGS. 6-8, more or less than two can be provided.

A rotatable handle 81 can be attached to one of the accessories, shownas accessory 222 f in FIGS. 6-8, to enable a user to push or pull thecart 20. The handle 81 is suitably secured to the upright post 256, forexample by fasteners, and may have a pocket 83 into which the post 256is inserted.

As best shown in FIG. 11A, the locking mechanism 62 has a pair of spacedapart flanges 66 extending outwardly from the leg 250 and which arespaced from the lower end of the leg 250, and a hook member 68 ismounted between the flanges 66 by a pivot pin such that the hook member68 is rotatable relative to the flanges 66. The hook member 68 has ahook end 70. A stop 72 extends outwardly from one side of the hookmember 68. A spring (not shown), biases the hook member 68 into adownward position (the position where the hook end 70 is below theflanges 66); the stop 72 prevents the hook member 68 from rotating toofar below the flanges 66.

To attach the accessory 222 a-222 f to the frame 26, the accessory 222a-222 f is positioned relative to the frame 26 at a slight angle to theside where leg 248 with the foot 260 is provided, as shown in FIGS. 10and 10A. The leg 248 seats in the space 38 with the foot 260 below theextending portion 32 a and the retaining block 40. As shown in FIGS.11-11B, the accessory 222 a-222 f is rotated down toward the oppositeside of the frame 26. This causes the other upright leg 250 (without afoot) to enter into the space 38 on the opposite side of the frame 26.As the leg 250 enters the space 38, the hook end 70 engages with theupper end of the retaining block 40 and rotates upwardly. When the leg250 is fully seated in the space 38, the hook member 68 rotatesdownwardly to engage the hook end 70 into the passageway 14 and engagethe retaining block 40. This locks the accessory 222 a-222 f to theframe 26. The accessories 222 a-222 f provide for a hardware-freeassembly which results in faster change-out without lost parts. Thestructural design of this assembly allows a strong, durable interfaceand a positive lock. The foot 260 slides under the mating features(below the respective extending portion 32 a and the retaining block 40)on one side of the cart 20 to aid in the stability of the assembly. Thelocking mechanism 62 allows for sturdy support and added safety to avoidinadvertent release of the accessories 222 a-222 f and possibledischarge of a possible heavy load.

For a solid feel, the fastener 46 can be tightened to abut the free endof the fastener 46 against the respective upright leg 248, 250, however,this is not necessary.

The foot 260 can be eliminated on the leg 248 and instead a lockingmechanism 62 can be provided on the leg 248 (as well as on leg 250).With this configuration, the accessory 222 a, 222 f is lifted above thecart 20 and inserted downwardly into the spaces 38. The lockingmechanisms 62 on each leg 248, 250 engage with retaining blocks 40 asdescribed herein.

An alternative locking mechanism 62 a is shown in FIG. 12 and whichextends through the retaining block 40. The retaining block 40 has afirst end wall 300 provided therein which has a central slot 302, and asecond end wall 304 which has an aperture 306 therethrough. The lockingmechanism 62 a includes a retractable pin 310 which extends through theslot 302 and the aperture 306. The pin 310 has a shaft 312 having anenlarged end 314 at one end thereof and a handle 316 at the other endthereof. The handle 315 is proximate to the second end wall 304, theshaft 302 extends through the aperture 306 in the second end wall 304and through the passageway 44 in the retaining block 40, and theenlarged head 314 extends through the slot 302 in the first end wall300. A spring 318 is positioned around the shaft 312 between theenlarged head 314 and the end wall 304. The enlarged head 314 has antapered surface 320 on its upper surface.

To use the alternative locking mechanism 62 a to attach the accessory222 a-222 f to the frame 26, the accessory 222 a-222 f is positionedrelative to the frame 26 at a slight angle to the side where leg 248with the foot 260 is provided, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 10A. The leg 248seats in the space 38 with the foot 260 below the extending portion 32 aand the retaining block 40. The accessory 222 a-222 f is rotated downtoward the opposite side of the frame 26 like that shown in FIGS. 11 and11A. This causes the other upright leg 250 (without a foot) to enterinto the space 38 on the opposite side of the frame 26. As the leg 250enters the space 38, the end of the leg 250 engages the tapered surface320 and causes the pin 310 to move toward the wall 304. As the leg 250moves downwardly, the end of the head 314 bears against the side wall ofthe leg 250 to secure the leg 250 in place. The spring 318 causes thepin 310 to bear against the leg 250 with sufficient force to prevent theinadvertent removal of the leg 250 from the locking mechanism 62 a. Thislocks the accessory 222 a-222 f to the frame 26. The accessories 222a-222 f provide for a hardware-free assembly which results in fasterchange-out without lost parts. The structural design of this assemblyallows a strong, durable interface and a positive lock. The lockingmechanism 62 allows for sturdy support and added safety to avoidinadvertent release of the accessories 222 a-222 f and possibledischarge of a possible heavy load.

To release the pin 310 from the leg 250, the handle 316 is pulled toretract the head 314 away from the leg 250 so that the leg 250 can belifted away from the cart 20.

The leg 250 may be modified to provide a slot (not shown) into which thehead 314 extends to further secure the locking mechanism 62 a to the leg250.

The foot 260 can be eliminated on the leg 248 and instead a lockingmechanism 62 a can be provided on the leg 248 (as well as on leg 250).With this configuration, the accessory 222 a, 222 f is lifted above thecart 20 and inserted downwardly into the spaces 38. The lockingmechanisms 62 a on each leg 248, 250 engage with retaining blocks 40 asdescribed herein.

Alternatively, one leg may having locking mechanism 62 provided thereon,and the other leg may have locking mechanism 62 a provided thereon.

As such, the cart 20 has integrated features in each corner that allow afamily of accessories 222 a-222 f to interconnect through matinggeometries and locking components for a positive interface. While thismay be accomplished in many variations of mating geometries, the designof integrating the mating geometry into the legs 248, 250 of theaccessories 222 a-222 f and maintaining a compact interface on the frame26 gives additional functionality to the cart 20 as a flat materialcart. The cart 20 is flat when the accessories are not attached thereto.As such, the cart 20 provides a versatile platform of interchangeableaccessories 222 a-222 f that allows the cart 20 to adjust to the workenvironment and task. The accessories 222 a-222 f can be easily adjustedto accommodate a wide variety of materials.

The cart 20 can include other mounts thereon, such as mounts 84extending downwardly from the longitudinal support members 30 a, 30 b.

The quick-change casters 24 can be easily exchanged to perform in alarge range of environments. The casters 24 are secured to the frame 26at any position where there are three adjacent support members asdescribed herein, and may be secured proximate each corner of the cart20. The caster 24 are manufactured from at least one conventional castertype wheel 86 connected to a caster plate 88 via a swivel connection 90that provide swivel functionality in order to assist in the easiermovement of the can 20. The caster plate 88 has an upper planar surfaceand a lower planar surface. For example, the caster 24 can be positionedproximate to the corner provided by lateral support member 28 a,longitudinal support member 30 a and intermediate lateral support member32; it is to be understood that the caster 24 can be positioned anywherealong the frame 26 where three of the members are adjacent to eachother. In the prior art, mounting and changing casters is a difficulttask with standard mounting hardware and often a useable cart willremain unused because of a damaged caster. With the present quick-changecasters 24, exchange will help keep the cart 20 in useable condition.

The frame 26 includes a caster mounting interface 92 which allows foreasy insertion and removal of the caster 24 as described herein. Thiscaster mounting interface 92, along with the flat caster plate 88 on thecaster 24 which provides a caster mating interface, allows for anindeterminate amount of variations and combinations of carts 20 as wellas extensions, additions and the ability to join more than one cart 20together for longer materials. In each embodiment, the caster 24 simplyslides into the caster mounting interface 92 and is secured thereto.

Various embodiments of the caster mounting interface 92 are shown inFIGS. 13-20. In each embodiment, the caster mounting interface 92includes a three-sided pocket 100 into which the caster plate 88 seats,and a locking mechanism which engages with the caster plate 88 to securesaid caster plate 88 within the pocket 100. In each embodiment, thelocking mechanism includes a member 104, 108, 116, 120, 132, 146, 148capable of being moved to an upper position where the member 104, 108,116, 120, 132, 146, 148 does not interfere with insertion of the casterplate 88 into the pocket 100 or capable of being moved to a lowerposition which is proximate to the caster plate 88 such that the member104, 108, 116, 120, 132, 146, 148 is capable of being engaged with thecaster plate 88.

The pocket 100 is formed from a plurality of walls. As shown in thedrawings, the walls are formed of a flat mounting plate 94, a pair ofmounting rails 96, 98, and a portion of the frame 26 as describedherein. Alternatively, the walls of the pocket 100 can be formed of theflat mounting plate 94, at least one side plate (not shown) extendingdownwardly from the mounting plate 94 to the pair of mounting rails 96,98 attached to a lower portion of the at least one side plate; and thepocket 100 is attached to the frame 26.

The mounting plate 94 has a planar upper surface, a lower surface whichis preferably planar, and at least one edge (in the drawings, themounting plate 94 is shown as square, but could take other forms, suchas rectangular, round, etc.). At the edge(s), the mounting plate 94 ismounted to the lateral support member 28 a, the longitudinal supportmember 30 a and the intermediate lateral support member 32 proximate totheir upper ends (the lateral support member 28 a, the longitudinalsupport member 30 a and the intermediate lateral support member 32 formthe walls of the pocket 100). If desired, the upper surface of themounting plate 94 may be flush with the upper surfaces of the members 28a, 30 a, 32. The first rail 96 is mounted to the bottom surface of thelateral support member 28 a, and the second rail 98 is mounted to thebottom surface of the intermediate lateral support member 32. The rails96, 98 extend into the space between the members 28 a, 32 such that thethree-sided pocket 100 is formed by the members 28 a, 30 a, 32 (whichform the side walls of the pocket 100) and the rails 96, 98. Ifintermediate longitudinal support members are provided instead ofintermediate lateral support members in the cart 20, then at theedge(s), the mounting plate 94 is mounted to the lateral support member,to the longitudinal support member and to the intermediate longitudinalmember (these members form the walls of the pocket 100); the pair ofrails 96, 98 are mounted to the bottom surfaces of the longitudinalmember and the intermediate longitudinal member; and the rails 96, 98extend into the space between the members such that the three-sidedpocket 100 is formed by the lateral member, the longitudinal member, theintermediate longitudinal member and the rails 96, 98. A free edge 94 aof the mounting plate 94 is thus provided.

As shown in FIGS. 13-13D, the caster mounting interface 92 includes aflexible arm member 102 having a hook end 104 which overhangs the freeedge 94 a of the mounting plate 94. The arm member 102 can be made ofspring steel. The end of the arm member 102 is attached to the uppersurface of the flat mounting plate 94, either by welding or byfasteners. The arm member 102 can be flexed such that the hook end 103is positioned in the upper position or in the lower position.

As shown in FIGS. 13B-13D, the caster 24 is assembled with the castermounting interface 92 by sliding the caster plate 88 of the caster 24toward the arm member 102 and engaging the hook end 104. Because of thehook end 104, the arm member 102 flexes upwardly upon contact with thecaster plate 88. This allows the caster plate 88 to slide between therails 96, 98 and the mounting plate 94 and to enter into the pocket 100.After the caster plate 88 is fully inserted into the pocket 100 suchthat the caster plate 88 aligns with the mounting plate 94 and does notengage with the arm member 102, the arm member 102 returns to itsunflexed lower position. In this lower position, the arm member 102prevents the removal of the caster 24 as the caster 24 is now restrainedon all four sides in the pocket 100.

The caster 24 can be easily removed from the pocket 100 by flexing thearm member 102 until it is positioned in its upper position, and slidingthe caster 24 outwardly from the pocket 100.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 14A, the caster mounting interface 92 includesa rotatable member 106 having a hook end 108 which is mounted in ahousing 110 that is attached to the upper surface of the mounting plate94. The housing 110 may take the form of a pair of flanges, as shown,extending upwardly from the upper surface of the mounting plate 94. Apivot pin 112 extends through the housing 110 and the member 106 toprovide for rotation of the member 106 relative to the housing 110 andthe mounting plate 94. The hook end 108 of the member 106 overhangs thefree edge 94 a of the mounting plate 94. The member 106 can be rotatedto be positioned in the upper position or in the lower position.

To assemble the caster 24 with the caster mounting interface 92, thecaster plate 88 is slid toward the member 106 and engages the hook end108. Because of the hook end 108, the member 106 rotates upwardly uponcontact with the caster plate 88. This allows the caster plate 88 toslide between the rails 96, 98 and the mounting plate 94 and to enterinto the pocket 100. After the caster plate 88 is fully inserted intothe pocket 100 such that it aligns with the mounting plate 94 and doesnot engage with the member 106, the member 106 rotates to its lowerposition. in this lower position, the member 106 prevents the removal ofthe caster 24 as the caster 24 is now restrained on all four sides inthe pocket 100. The member 106 can rely upon gravity to hold the lowerposition of the member 106, or the member 106 can be positivelymechanically loaded, such as by spring-loading, to maintain the lowerposition of the member 106.

The caster 24 can be easily removed from the pocket 100 by rotating themember 106 until it is positioned in its upper position, and sliding thecaster 24 outwardly from the pocket 100.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 15A, the caster mounting interface 92 includesa rotatable member 114 having an enlarged head 116, the member 114 ismounted in a housing 118 that is attached to the upper surface of themounting plate 94. The enlarged head 116 of the member 114 overhangs thefree edge 94 a of the mounting plate 94. The member 114 can be rotatedto be in the upper position or in the lower position.

To assemble the caster 24 with the caster mounting interface 92, theenlarged head 116 is positioned such that it is in its upper position.The caster plate 88 is slid between the rails 96, 98 and the mountingplate 94 to enter into the pocket 100. After the caster plate 88 isfully inserted into the pocket 100 such that it aligns with the mountingplate 94, the member 114 is rotated such that the enlarged head 116 isin its lower position. In this lower position, the enlarged head 116prevents the removal of the caster 24 as the caster 24 is now restrainedon all four sides in the pocket 100. The member 114 can rely upongravity to hold the lower position of the enlarged head 116, or themember 114 can be positively mechanically loaded, such as byspring-loading, to maintain the lower position of the enlarged head 116.

The caster 24 can be easily removed from the pocket 100 by rotating theenlarged head 116 until it is positioned in its upper position, andsliding the caster 24 outwardly from the pocket 100.

As shown in FIGS, 16 and 16A, the caster mounting interface 92 includesa member 120 formed of a slide bolt attached to the free edge 94 a ofthe mounting plate 94. The slide bolt is conventionally formed and hasan outer tubular housing 122 with a slot 124 therethrough, and aninternal slide 126, which can be spring-loaded, and which has aprotrusion 128 extending through the slot 124. The slot 124 allows theprotrusion 128 to be positioned in the upper position or in the lowerposition.

To assemble the caster 24 with the caster mounting interface 92, themember 120 is positioned such that the protrusion 128 is in the upperposition. The caster plate 88 is slid between the rails 96, 98 and themounting plate 94 to enter into the pocket 100. After the caster plate88 is fully inserted into the pocket 100 such that it aligns with themounting plate 94, the slide 126 is slid such that the protrusion 128 isin its lower position. In this lower position, the member 120 preventsthe removal of the caster 24 as the caster 24 is now restrained on allfour sides in the pocket 100.

The caster 24 can be easily removed from the pocket 100 by sliding theslide 126 such that the protrusion 128 is positioned in its upperposition, and sliding the caster 24 outwardly from the pocket 100.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 17A, the caster mounting interface 92 includesa member 130 formed of a spring-loaded pin 132 attached to the uppersurface of the plate 92 via a housing 134. The member 130 is proximateto the free edge 94 a of the mounting plate 94. An aperture 136 isprovided through the mounting plate 94 to allow the pin 132 to extendtherethrough. The housing 134 is generally U-shaped and the pin 132extends through the top surface thereof. A handle 38 in the form of agrip ring is attached to the upper end of the pin 132. The pin 132 canbe retracted to be in the upper position by pulling the handle 138upwardly to move the free end of the pin 132 upwardly, or in the lowerposition by releasing the handle 138.

To assemble the caster 24 with the caster mounting interface 92, the pin132 is pulled via handle 138 such that the pin 132 is in its upperposition. The caster plate 88 is slid between the rails 96, 98 and themounting plate 94 to enter into the pocket 100. After the caster plate88 is fully inserted into the pocket 100 such that it aligns with themounting plate 94, the handle 138 is released such that the pin 132moves into its lower position and enters into an aligned hole in thecaster plate 24. In this lower position, the pin 132 prevents theremoval of the caster 24 as the caster 24 is now restrained on all foursides in the pocket 100.

The caster 24 can be easily removed from the pocket 100 by pulling thepin 132 to its upper position, and sliding the caster 24 outwardly fromthe pocket 100.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 18 and 18A, the spring-loaded pin 132is instead welded to the frame 26; the frame 26 has a housing 140 formedof a flange extending outwardly from the members (for example member 26)extending outwardly from the members to which the mounting plate 94 iswelded, and the pin 132 operates in the same manner as that of FIGS. 17and 17A.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 19A, the caster mounting interface 92 includesa member 142 formed from a detachable pin that has a first portion 142and an enlarged second portion 144. The member 142 seats through anaperture 146 in the mounting plate 94 which is proximate to the freeedge 94 a, such that a section 146 of the first portion 142 extendsbelow the bottom surface of the mounting plate 94. The enlarged secondportion 144 is larger than the aperture 146 so that it cannot passtherethrough. The member 142 is a magnet such that it stays attached tothe metal mounting plate 94. The member 142 can be moved relative to themounting plate 94 to the upper position, or can be inserted into andthrough the aperture 146 to be in the lower position such that thesection 146 extends into the pocket 100.

To assemble the caster 24 with the caster mounting interface 92, themember 142 is moved to be in its upper position. The caster plate 88 isslid between the rails 96, 98 and the mounting plate 94 to enter intothe pocket 100. After the caster plate 88 is fully inserted into thepocket 100 such that it aligns with the mounting plate 94, the member142 is moved to its lower position by being inserted through themounting plate 94 and into an aperture in the caster plate 88 orabutting against the end of the caster plate 88. In this lower position,the member 142 prevents the removal of the caster 24 as the caster 24 isnow restrained on all four sides in the pocket 100.

The caster 24 can be easily removed from the pocket 100 by removing themember 142, and sliding the caster 24 outwardly from the pocket 100.

As shown in FIG. 20, the caster mounting interface 92 includes a member148 having a hook-like end 150 that is rotatably attached to the frame26, for example lateral support member 28 a, via a pivot pin 152. Thepivot pin 152 is proximate to the upper edge of the component of theframe 26 to which it is mounted. The hook-like end 150 of the member 148is proximate to the free edge 94 a of the mounting plate 94. The member148 can be rotated to be positioned in the upper position or in thelower position. A stop 152 is attached to the same component of theframe 26, for example lateral support member 28 a, to which the member148 is attached to stop the rotation of the member 148.

To assemble the caster 24 with the caster mounting interface 92, thecaster plate 88 is slid toward the member 148 and engages the member148. Because of this engagement, the member 148 rotates to its upperposition upon contact with the caster plate 88. This allows the casterplate 88 to slide between the stop 152 and the member 148, and furtherbetween the rails 96, 98 and the mounting plate 94 to enter into thepocket 100. After the caster plate 88 is fully inserted into the pocket100 such that it aligns with the mounting plate 94 and does not engagewith the member 148, the member 148 rotates to its lower position andabuts the stop 152. In this lower position, the member 148 prevents theremoval of the caster 24 as the caster 24 is now restrained on all foursides in the pocket 100. The member 148 can rely upon gravity to holdits lower position, or the member 148 can be positively mechanicallyloaded, such as by spring-loading, to maintain the lower position of themember 148.

The caster 24 can be easily removed from the pocket 100 by rotating themember 148 until it is positioned in its upper position, and sliding thecaster 24 outwardly from the pocket 100.

In each embodiment, the flat caster plate 88 and the fiat mounting plate94 have apertures therethrough (some of which are used in the some ofthe embodiments as described hereinabove). These apertures align whenthe flat caster plate 88 is mounted in the pocket 100. These aperturescan be used to permanently mount the caster plate 88 to the mountingplate 94 such that the caster 24 is permanently mounted to the frame 26,if desired.

The casters 24 and the caster mounting interface 92 can be provided atthe corners of the cart 20 and can be provided mid-mount along the cart20. This provides more options for greater mobility.

The ability to quickly exchange casters 24 and accessories 222 a-222 fto adapt to the work environment and task at hand as well as easilydisassemble for compact, convenient storage and transportationdifferentiate this industrial cart 20 from current industrial cartsfound in the marketplace. Additionally, the design of the industrialcart 20 provides for a load rating that exceeds normal competitivemodels of carts, as well as features that provide easy lifting by forktruck or crane.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown anddescribed, it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devisevarious modifications of the present invention without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An assembly comprising: walls forming athree-sided. pocket with an open end; a caster comprising a caster platehaving an upper surface, a lower surface and an edge, and at least onewheel extending from said lower surface of said caster plate, saidcaster plate seating within said pocket through said open end; a lockingmechanism attached to one of said walls, said locking mechanism engagingwith said caster plate to secure said caster plate within the pocket. 2.The assembly of claim 1, wherein said locking mechanism comprises amember capable of being moved to an upper position where the member doesnot interfere with insertion of the caster plate into the pocket orcapable of being moved to a lower position which is proximate to thecaster plate such that the member is capable of being engaged with thecaster plate.
 3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein said member engageswith the edge of said caster plate.
 4. The assembly of claim 2, whereinsaid member is a flexible arm having a hook end mounted to one of saidwalls forming said three-sided pocket, said member capable of beingflexed such that the hook end is positioned in the upper position or inthe lower position.
 5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein said flexiblemember is formed of spring steel.
 6. The assembly of claim 2, whereinsaid member is rotatably mounted to one of said walls forming saidthree-sided pocket, said member capable of being rotated to bepositioned in the upper position or in the lower position.
 7. Theassembly of claim 6, wherein said member has a hook end, said hook endoverhanging the edge of the mounting plate.
 8. The assembly of claim 6,wherein said member has an enlarged head, said member capable of beingrotated to be positioned in the upper position or in the lower position.9. The assembly of claim 2, wherein said locking mechanism includes aslide bolt mounted to one of said walls forming said three-sided pocket,said slide bolt comprised of an outer tubular housing having a slot, andan internal slide having a protrusion extending through the slot, saidslide bolt capable of being slid along said slot such that saidprotrusion is positioned in the upper position or in the lower position.10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein said slide bolt is spring-loaded.11. The assembly of claim 2, wherein said member is a pin attached toone of said walls forming said three-sided pocket, said wall to whichsaid member is attached having an aperture provided therethrough toallow the pin to extend therethrough, said pin capable of being moved tobe in the upper position or in the lower position.
 12. The assembly ofclaim 11, wherein said pin is spring-loaded and has a handle attachedthereto.
 13. The assembly of claim 11, wherein said pin is magnetic. 14.The assembly of claim 11, wherein said pin is mounted in a housing whichis mounted to said one of said walls forming said three-sided pocket.15. The assembly of claim 11, wherein said pin has a first portion and asecond portion which is enlarged relative to said first portion, saidenlarged second portion is larger than said aperture
 16. The assembly ofclaim 2, wherein at least one of said walls is formed by support memberswhich form a frame for carrying equipment.
 17. The assembly of claim 1,wherein at least one of said walls is formed by support members whichform a frame for carrying equipment.
 18. The assembly of claim 1,wherein said wheels are connected to the caster plate by a swivelconnection.
 19. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said locking mechanismcan be engaged without the use of tools.
 20. A method of attaching awheeled caster to a frame for carrying equipment, comprising: providinga frame having a three-sided pocket thereon; moving a member to an upperposition where the member does not interfere with insertion of thecaster plate inserting a wheeled caster into a three-sided pocketprovided on a frame; and engaging a locking mechanism provided on saidframe with said caster plate to secure said caster plate within thepocket, wherein said engagement comprises moving a member to an upperposition where the member does not interfere with insertion of thecaster plate into the pocket and thereafter moving the member to a lowerposition which is proximate to the caster plate such that the member iscapable of being engaged with the caster plate, wherein said engagementis performed without the use of tools.